About Bondi Beach

Stretching for over a kilometre, Bondi Beach is a world famous swimming and surfing beach just outside Sydney’s Central Business District. Attend Flickerfest, Australia’s premier short film festival or World Environment Day. Bondi has some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the beach as well as exciting attractions and events.

Bondi Beach: Sydney’s Oceanfront Icon

Travelers the world over, from backpackers to jetsetters, rarely come to Sydney without visiting Bondi Beach. The mile-long stretch of sand, for which the suburb gets its name, is known well beyond its borders for its good surf, stunning seascapes and endless calendar of activities.

While you’re here, surf and sunbathe, take a dip in the historic oceanfront lap pool, or wander down the coast on paved trails. If you’re visiting with the kids, check out one of the family-friendly festivals, including kite flying and sand sculpture competitions. On the weekends, discover waterfront markets, showcasing the latest creations by up-and-coming designers. Soon you’ll find out that Bondi never stops, from dawn until dusk, 7 days a week.

Holiday rentals in Bondi Beach abound, around the corner from bustling Campbell Parade, in the hills behind the beach and off the beaten path but still providing ocean views.

Bondi Beach Swimming & Surfing

Bondi Beach has a long history of surfing. In fact, this is where Australian surf life saving began. The beach has a number of different breaks, allowing surfers of all skill levels battle it out in the waves.

Watch the Nippers, Australia’s next generation of pro surfers, hone their skills. Take a surf lesson of your own. Or sit back on the golden sand and cheer for your favourite surfers at one of the many surf competitions.

Swimmers have several options at Bondi Beach. The waterfront gets crowded, so those seeking to do laps can make their way to the Ocean Pool. Built so close to the waves that you can hear them crash, the Ocean Pool is where Bondi’s famous Icebergs practice in the winter months.

Another spot for swimming are the historical Bronte Baths, opened in 1887. These are a short or walk or quick drive from Bondi Beach.

Festivals & Events in Bondi Beach

Bondi’s buzzing community organises year-round events. In the spring, take in sand sculptures along the beach, built as part of the Sculptures by the Sea competition. Summer kicks off with Bondi Beachfest, a large-scale music festival hosted by famous international bands.

A fall family favourite is the Festival of the Winds, the largest kite flying competition in Australia. In the coldest months, the iconic Australian beach suburb hosts the Winter Magic Festival. This event, fun for all age groups, features an oceanfront ice skating rink, camel rides, yoga by the beach, and many arts and music acts.

Bondi Markets & Shopping

Bondi weekends are synonymous with market shopping. Locals can spend their Saturday mornings at the Bondi Farmers Market and their Sundays mingling with up-and-coming designers at the fashion-forward Bondi Market.

At the farmers market, you’ll see a series of colourful stalls showcasing local produce, organic offerings, baked goods, homemade jams and more.

Bondi Market, set along the waterfront, introduces local talent to the world. Chat with emerging designers and bring home unique finds, from homeware to your next wardrobe staples.

Any day of the week, venture along Campbell Parade for trendy surf and souvenir shops, interrupted only by ice cream parlours, cafes and restaurants.

Bondi Beach Coastal Walks

While in Bondi Beach, stay active even when you are out of the water. There are two main coastal walks, allowing you to take in stunning seascapes as you discover more about Bondi’s heritage.

The Bondi Beach to Bronte track runs south for 2.5 km, past the Bondi Pavilion and Surf Life Savers Club, birthplace of Australian surf life saving. Continue to Mackenzies Point and Bay to view ancient sandstone formations and Aboriginal carvings, then onto the North Bronte Cliffs, taking in local vegetation as you go.

The second walk starts at Bronte Beach and leads to Waverley Cemetery, providing further oceanfront panoramas and bringing you by a natural swimming hole, waterfall and examples of colonial architecture. This somewhat steeper path, running for 2.8 km, ends at the final resting place of several notable poets and artists.

Getting to Bondi Beach

The Sydney suburb of Bondi Beach is only a 10-minute drive from the CBD. To access the beach, you can also take public transport. Local buses, departing Bondi Junction, will leave you only steps from the waterfront.